Page 30 of Thanatos' Craving

I longed to witness the curve of her lips forming a radiant smile, to relish the melodious sound of her laughter once more. It ignited a blissful sensation within me, not the scorching fury of anger, but a different kind entirely.

So, I leaned forward, close to her face, hoping she would feel uncomfortable, and said, “Twat.”

Juniper smiled widely, her laughter cut off by Athena dropping a pile of books when she walked by our strange conversation.

Chapter Ten

Juniper

Athena let the books fall, and her eyes widened.

She was a sophisticated person, yet she knew how to strike up a fun conversation. She had plenty of fun riling me up just moments ago.

I was still trying to wrap my head around it all. All the adrenaline, the newness, has kept me from thinking.

Right now, all I was concentrating on was the shocked look on her face. Did she not know what the word twat means?

“Here, let me help you.” I stepped away from beastie, who gave a whine of protest. The poor thing acted like he is attention deprived as he followed close behind me. I helped Athena, who was still in a state of shock, and I handed her a book. One of them was the book I had picked up earlier, and she had slammed shut.

“Thank you, Juniper, that was helpful.”

She delicately placed the book on a solid mahogany desk adorned with an assortment of colorful paperweights, stacks of books, whimsical trinkets, and ancient scrolls. As I peered closely, my eyes meticulously absorbed the details, committing the contents to memory. Suddenly, a pair of expansive wings gracefully enveloped the chaotic assortment, casting a shadow over the scene.

“It’s a mess, over there. I wasn’t expecting company,” Thanatos said.

Athena sighed. “She’s been sleeping a week in your home, Thanatos; you could have cleaned while she slept.” She smiled and walked past him, and gathered a cloak sitting on a nearby chair that matched her outfit.

Thanatos growled. “Are you insinuating I am slothful?” His shadow tendrils slithered toward her. She just eyed him and turned her back.

"No, I'm just saying you had a preoccupied demeanor. Maybe worried about Juniper. An emotion that is worth discussing with her. She has agreed to help you on your journey of self-discovery since you saved her life.”

Thanatos’ back straightened and turned toward me.

I nodded and gave him an encouraging smile. “Yup, I did. It’s the least I could do.”

“You mean, you will stay–willingly?” he asked, seeming pleased.

“As opposed to staying unwillingly?” I raised my eyebrows.

He said nothing until Athena nudged him in the shoulder.

He sputtered and shook his head. “No, no. This is very kind of you. I appreciate your efforts to do so. Even if I wouldn’t have–”

Again Athena nudged him, and he stumbled forward.

“Dumb fowl,” he muttered. “Again, I appreciate your willingness, Juniper.” He dusted off his robes and his wings fluttered.

It was not just his wings that caught my attention, but the way they seemed too large for him to bear. They stretched out, majestic and powerful, yet there was a weariness in their presence. It was as if they symbolized a burden he carried, one that extended beyond their physical form.

“And why did you save me?” I stepped forward. “Why did you save me when you were there just to collect another soul?”

He was a hard god to read. His face was covered, and he barely made any movements except for his hands and his wings. I couldn’t detect nervousness or anger, but the silence was deafening.

“I don’t know,” he said in the most monotone voice. “My mind wouldn’t allow me to take your soul.”

His mind? His mind wouldn’t allow it? Who says that? Usually someone follows their heart, not their mind.

I wrinkled my brow and slumped my shoulders.

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